The Metropolitan Police did identify the mystery canvasser. But all that happened was that he and ‘all concerned parties’ were given ‘words of advice’. (Letter with contact details redacted and full text of MPS response below.)

That’s it.

Text of letter from Metropolitan Police to re Leafletgate

“From: SC01 – Homicide and Major Crime Command Special Enquiry Team

In reference to the allegation you made to Police on 16th May 2015, regarding the leafleting of political party material along with publications from Tower Hamlets Homes on the Greenbank Estate, E1.

I am writing to advise you that this matter has now been investigated.

Words of advice have been issued to all concerned parties, including the male concerned so that they are informed as to the law around this particular offence.

No further police action will be taken and this investigation is now closed.

Please be reassured that all allegations around electoral fraud are taken very seriously, and this outcome was decided after a full assessment of the circumstances of this particular case.

Many thanks for taking the time to report this matter.

Should you wish to discuss this matter then please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,”

Uh? Words of advice? Bet that scared ’em.

LW did ask the MPS for a more detailed response but has not received a reply.

LW checked with the Electoral Commission to see what action they would be taking and got this response:

“The Commission does not regulate campaign material, and is a matter for the local police and authority concerned.”

Oh.

So that’s it then

So the police found out who the mystery canvassers was and had a chat with him and whoever he was working for but they aren’t telling us.

And the Electoral Commission don’t see any problem with someone delivering the electoral material for a political candidate and a newsletter from Tower Hamlets Homes at the same time.

All this compounded by the fact that Rabina Khan was the Tower Hamlets First cabinet member responsible for housing and so responsible for – Tower Hamlets Homes.

A person more cynical than LW might think there is some sort of link there.

The bottom line

The rule of law still seems to be suspended during local elections. Well, in Tower Hamlets anyway.